City to seek compliance from Chilliwack property owner over small gurdwara on ag land

CHILLIWACK — The City of Chilliwack says its planning department will seek to bring a Chilliwack property into compliance after a small gurdwara was set up on land zoned specifically for agriculture use along Keith Wilson Road.

In a statement, the City of Chilliwack communications team confirmed the property at 44233 Keith Wilson Road is within the Agricultural Land Reserve and is zoned for agricultural use.

Property where religious assembly is permitted in Chilliwack carries a P1 zoning designation for civic assembly.

According to its website, Chilliwack Gurdwara Sahib at 44233 Keith Wilson Road has religious education classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. It has daily prayer services from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On its website, the Gurudwara Shiri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Society says it serves the Sikh community and all people with devotion, service, and spiritual guidance. Everyone is welcome to join the gurdwara’s prayers and community meals.

The city’s mapping website suggests Shiri Guru Granth Sahab Ji Society has a city business license, indicating that no more than 10 students are permitted on the property.

The city’s planning department is in communication with the property owners, discussing the provincial Agricultural Land Commission approvals processes and the steps necessary to bring the property into compliance.